Cascade Summer/Autumn 2012 - Plymouth Hospitals

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Exercise Bolivian Venture
by LNN P McColgan
I have recently returned from a three week Defence Medical
Services (DMS) mountaineering expedition to Bolivia. The
purpose of the expedition was to carry out research into changes
in natriuretic hormones at high altitude, specifically how B-Type
Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated
Lipocalin (NGAL), copeptin, vasopressin, catecholamines,
aldosterone, Cortisol and Total Body Water at High Altitude relate
to, and potentially predict, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
The research was conducted by two groups of approximately 25
DMS personnel climbing peaks up to and over 6000m in the
Cordillera Real range of the Bolivian Andes. Data including basic
observations, blood, urine, saliva, weight and echocardiograms
were taken at 3400, 4500 and 5200m. In total 2500 blood, 300 urine
and 600 saliva samples were taken and are back in the freezer at
Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. While over 200
echocardiograms were gathered at various altitudes. 49 out of the
50 participants made it to the top of Pata Patani (5500m), via a
new route, while 26 made it to the top of Chacochamani (6040m)
probably the first 26 non Bolivian ascents from the west side of the
mountain. We climbed two unclimbed rocky summits around
5200m closer to base camp, explored to high on an unclimbed
peak further up the valley and a couple of the more experienced
climbers made the first ascents of the east and west peaks of
Jackosire a previously unclimbed peak.
The final climb on Pata Patani
News from around the Trust
To gather the research and conduct the climbing we spent twelve
days in the mountains setting up camps at various altitudes. The
main camp at 4800m came with a group of inquisitive Lama’s and
its very own glacial stream/outdoor bathing facilities. With the sun
setting at approximately 1900 and the night time temperature of -5
to -20 little was done after dark apart from sleep. The days always
brought a new route to explore and breathtaking scenery to be seen.
On a daily basis we were reminded that it was not a holiday. The majority of the
time this was by Surgeon Commander Mellor (research lead), but the altitude and
local food also took their toll with the majority suffering from AMS with varying
degrees of severity. One of the group developed pulmonary oedema however this
was treated and he continued on with the expedition. I myself had a two day period
of illness and can assure you that O2 sats of 81% and a resting HR of 140bpm was
not particularly enjoyable.
However it was not all doom and gloom. During the acclimatisation phase we
managed to see the sights of La Paz and visit Lake Titicaca. While the R&R period
at the end of the trip allowed the majority to take part in the “Death Road” cycle.
This consisted of a 65km stretch of road that drops from a height of 4500m to a
finish at 1200m.
All in all it was an amazing experience and one that I would thoroughly recommend
to all.
Research at 4200m!
The sumit of
Pata Patani
Those who have further interested in this area can follow the link below to the DMS Expedition website.
http://dmsexpeds.org.uk/